Zak Guedj, 23, is the Community Manager of HLS.IL, Israel’s official national Homeland Security. Born in France, he made Aliyah with his family to Israel at the age of 8.

As a teenager he struggled with weight and self-confidence, but at 15 he chose to transform his life, losing over 30 kg and improving his both his academic and personal achievements.

He later enlisted as a Givati combat soldier, but after suffering a knee injury he transitioned to a project officer role in the Ground Forces HQ. Zak also led the INNOFENSE accelerator, helping advance projects deployed to IDF soldiers during the Iron Swords War.

Driven by a deep sense of mission, today he manages Israel’s national-security community while simultaneously studying Industrial Engineering and Management in the evenings.

“To become who you want to be, you must be willing to let go of who you are now. Real change begins with courage.”